Baby, it’s cold outside. The temperatures have dropped and the nights are longer. And if you’re like me, you long for warmer weather and a little Busch Gardens. Even though we are closed for the season, you can still have the flavors of Das Festhaus right in your own home. Treat your family to the classic German Sampler tonight.
Let us begin with the protein portion of this entrée. It consists of three sausages: bratwursts, knockwursts and smoked sausages. Grill the bratwursts and smoked sausages, while steaming the knockwursts in your favorite beer (we use Budweiser). Slice a couple of the knockwursts into half-inch slices and set them aside.
Purchase a bag of sauerkraut and drain the juices from the bag. Place the sauerkraut and the sliced knockwurst into a medium sized pot. Add dashes of sugar, salt and pepper to taste. Turn the burner to a low setting and let simmer until heated. The second side dish is the German potato salad which you may also purchase to make it easier.
Last, but not least, the sweet and sour German red cabbage (please see recipe below). Serve the sausages, sauerkraut, potato salad and red cabbage together. Don’t forget your favorite dinner roll and a side of spicy brown mustard. Now, you have just brought the spirit of Oktoberfest to your table. Hopefully this traditional Das Festhaus meal will bring a little Busch Gardens fun into your family’s heart. Guten Appetit!
~ Mary
Culinary Manager
Recipe: German Red Cabbage
- 2 Tbsp. - vegetable oil
- 8 cups - shredded red cabbage
- 2 tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced (you may also use one can sliced apples in water, but then omit the 2 Tbsp. of water listed below)
- 2 Tbsp. - water
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp. white sugar
- 3 Tbsp. red vinegar
Directions
1. Heat oil in a medium size saucepan. Stir in cabbage and fry until wilted. Stir in apples and water, raisins, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer about 25 minutes.
2. Pour vinegar and sugar into the mixture while tasting for desired sweet and sour taste. Cook another 5 to 6 minutes.